The New York City Department of Education released its chronic absenteeism report on September 17, 2026, showing that roughly one‑third of city students were absent for at least 10 percent of the 2025‑26 school year.
The data indicate that 33 percent of pupils missed a minimum of 10 percent of school days during the current academic year. This proportion matches the figure recorded for the 2024‑25 year, meaning the rate of chronic absenteeism has not shifted over the past twelve months.
Officials note that the current level remains above the rates observed before the COVID‑19 pandemic, suggesting that the city has yet to return to its pre‑pandemic attendance patterns. The Department of Education has not provided a breakdown by borough or grade level in this release.
The unchanged statistic underscores ongoing challenges for schools aiming to improve student presence. While the department continues to promote attendance initiatives, the data reveal that a substantial segment of the student body still falls short of regular attendance benchmarks.
Education advocates and policymakers have previously highlighted the link between consistent attendance and academic achievement. The latest figures reinforce the need for sustained efforts to address barriers that keep students away from school, whether they stem from health, transportation, family circumstances, or other factors.
The department plans to monitor the trend throughout the remainder of the school year and will issue further updates as more information becomes available.